41 Mr. Glennon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the assistance available to the seed potato sector; and her plans for the sector. [38304/05]

In August this year I announced a grant aid programme for the development of the seed potato sector. The programme which comes under the national development plan funds capital investment projects for specialised seed production in 2005-06. A grant package of 35% applies under the scheme. To date, 18 applications have been received under the scheme and 12 approvals have been issued amounting to €500,000. Further approvals will be issued in 2006.

The main objective of the scheme is to improve the marketing infrastructure of the seed potato sector by providing grant assistance to producers towards the capital costs of equipment and facilities for the production, storage and marketing of seed potatoes. My overall aim is to bring more commercial focus to the seed potato sector and exploit many of the advantages we have, particularly our high plant health status.